Otoplasty

Ear surgery in Tampa, FL

If you feel self-conscious about the way your ears protrude from your head, you may be a candidate for otoplasty. This procedure reshapes or “pins back” the ears. Otoplasty can be performed at any age­–even after the ears have reached full size, the age when children start to notice differences and tease each other, usually performed around five to six years of age.

Otoplasty is commonly performed on both children and adults. To learn if you or your child could benefit from otoplasty, schedule a personalized consultation with Dr. Farrior, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, today.

Are you or your child a candidate for ear surgery?

Good health and realistic expectations are critical prerequisites for this procedure. Timing is also an important consideration. It may be more beneficial to undergo this procedure as young child than waiting until adulthood for two reasons: first, the cartilage is extremely pliable, thereby permitting greater ease of shaping. Secondly, the child can experience psychological benefits from the cosmetic improvement.

If you are considering otoplasty for your child, you must be confident that you have their best interests at heart. Because while having a positive attitude is important for all types of facial plastic surgery, it is absolutely crucial for child or adolescent patients.

For adults considering otoplasty, it’s important to understand that fully developed ears have firmer cartilage. Thus, they do not provide the same molding capacity as in children.

In either scenario, a consultation with Dr. Farrior can help you decide what is best, not only aesthetically, but also psychologically and physically.

Selecting the right facial plastic surgeon

Choosing a qualified surgeon ensures that an otoplasty will not alter your hearing ability. Dr. Farrior is double board-certified for both facial plastic surgery and otorhinolaryngology (ear, nose and throat). His advanced training coupled with three decades of experience give him an unmatched understanding of the ears’ aesthetic symmetry as well as their auditory functionality.

During your consultation, Dr. Farrior examines the structure of your ears and suggests strategies for correcting any shape or proportion issues. Even if you believe only one ear needs “pinning,” surgery may be recommended for both in order to achieve the most natural, symmetrical appearance. Dr. Farrior will thoroughly explain the procedure. Following a thorough medical history, Dr. Farrior details the kind of anesthesia required (general anesthesia for young patients and a local anesthetic combined with a mild sedative for older children and adults) and outlines the costs.

Understanding your otoplasty procedure

Under normal conditions, otoplasty requires approximately two hours. Surgery begins with an incision behind the ear.

Dr. Farrior then removes the necessary amounts of cartilage and skin required to achieve the right effect. In some cases, he trims the cartilage, shaping it into a more desirable form and then sutures the cartilage back with permanent sutures to secure the cartilage. In other instances, he will not remove any cartilage at all, instead using stitches to hold the cartilage permanently in place.

Recovering from your ear surgery

Soft dressings will remain on your ears for four to five days. Most patients experience some mild discomfort during this time. If you sleep on your side, you will have to lie on your back or stomach for a week as it is critical not to put any pressure on the ears. Additionally, headbands are sometimes recommended to hold the ears in the desired position for two weeks after the surgery.

Beyond that, the risks of otoplasty are generally very minimal. There will be a thin white scar behind the ear after healing. Because this scar is in a natural crease behind the ear, the problem of visibility is inconsequential. Anything unusual should be reported to Dr. Farrior immediately.

Book your FREE personalized consultation today.

Procedure*

Additional details

Let us know a little more about your inquiry so we can better service your request.